Sadly, these numbers are under-reported. As a Victim Service Provider, you play a critical role in engaging, educating, and helping victims. Despite efforts to avoid scams, many homeowners are still falling victim. Showing compassion and understanding for victimsis a great first step. Your next step is to ask the right questions to help get victims on the road to recovery...

Question 1. Have you contacted your mortgage service or lender?The homeowner should contact the mortgage servicer or lender directly about the fraud. Only the mortgage server can grant a loan modification. Suggest they speak with someone in the loss mitigation department.

Question2. Have you spoken with a HUD-approved housing counselor? Homeowners can get very low cost counseling services and advice from a counseling agency certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Question3. Have you reported the mortgage fraud or suspicious activity to the authorities? Victims of mortgage fraud should contact the Federal Trade Commission or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the local Better Business Bureau.

Find the complete fact sheet, Mortgage Fraud Fact Sheet for Victim Service Providers and Attorneys online. The National Crime Prevention Council is ready to help. We encourage real estate professionals, attorneys, housing counselors, law enforcement officials, mortgage lenders, and other victim service providers to access the free tools available in the Mortgage Fraud Toolkit.